Tuberculosis Outbreak in Labrador Inuit Settlement Area

There is an outbreak of tuberculosis within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.

Both the Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Health and Social Development and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services have been actively identifying contacts and potential new cases through contact tracing and are supporting access to testing.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of TB should contact the local regional community clinic for an appointment or the Public Health Nurse.

Symptoms associated with TB include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. It is also possible to be infected with TB and not have any symptoms.

TB is a disease caused by bacteria that usually affects the lungs. It is spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, talks, laughs, or sings. In most cases, TB is transmitted after close and prolonged exposure to someone with the active disease.

While TB can cause significant illness, treatment is available within the community. Treating TB is important both for the health of the person who is ill and to prevent the spread of illness.